Storage racks are essential for orderly, safe, and efficient inventory management in warehouses, factories, or large storage areas. However, the variety of shelf types can be confusing for users trying to choose the right one for their needs. This article will explain the different types of shelves for shop warehouses, helping business owners select the most suitable industrial shelving and storage racks.
Types of Industrial Shelves
Selecting the right shelves for your business is crucial for increasing efficiency, saving warehouse space, and making items easily accessible. Today, there are various types of industrial shelves, each with unique features and suited for different uses:
Micro Rack
These small shelves are designed for storing light and small items, ideal for warehouses with limited space or for storing many small parts, such as spare parts or documents. They save space and enhance storage and retrieval efficiency.
Mezzanine Floor Rack
This shelving system adds a second level of storage without expanding the warehouse space. With a strong structure that can support heavy loads, it’s suitable for large quantities of goods or items that don’t require frequent movement.
FIFO Rack
The FIFO Rack (First In, First Out) system ensures that the oldest inventory is used first. This is suitable for items with frequent changes in quantity or price, or those with a limited shelf life, like pharmaceuticals, food, or perishable goods. It reduces complications in inventory rotation and prevents goods from deteriorating over time.
Selective Rack
These are standard shelves with strong structures and adjustable shelf heights, providing easy access to all items. They are ideal for diverse products and offer flexibility in storage and retrieval. These racks can be used with forklifts without the need to organise items front to back, making them a good option for warehouses with high inventory turnover.
Drive-In or Drive Through Rack
Designed for forklifts to drive directly into the shelves, increasing storage density and saving aisle space. Suitable for large quantities of similar items that require frequent access. However, they are not ideal for diverse products due to the complexity of stock arrangement and the need for a rotation system to place items that need to be accessed first at the front.
Push Back Rack
This system combines the benefits of Drive-In and FIFO racks and uses a push-back mechanism for adding new items. Large, deep shelves allow for high storage capacity, with pallet trays in each layer to increase storage density and save space. It is suitable for businesses with a small number of SKUs but large storage volumes.
Mobile Rack
Movable shelves on rails powered by motors, allowing horizontal movement. These racks offer flexibility in space usage and are ideal for items that need frequent access or when storage space needs to be reconfigured regularly.
Cantilever Rack
Designed for long or oddly shaped items, these shelves feature no front columns, making it easy to access and manage goods. Suitable for storing long items like pipes, wooden planks, or metal sheets, and for industries needing to store irregularly sized materials.
Guidelines for Choosing Shelves for Warehouse Storage
For entrepreneurs in the process of selecting the right shelving, consider these key factors:
- Type and Size of Pallets: Choose shelves that support the size and weight of the pallets, suit the warehouse ceiling height, and allow space for placing and retrieving items.
- Type of Goods Stored: Consider the size, weight, and shape of the goods, as well as the frequency of access. Some items may require special shelves, such as those for hazardous materials or large items.
- Warehouse Space: Consider the ceiling height and structural limitations of the warehouse. Select shelving systems that maximise space efficiency, such as Mobile Racks for limited space.
- Type of Forklift: If using forklifts or other lifting equipment, choose shelves compatible with the type of forklift and ensure the aisles are wide enough for vehicle movement.
- Inventory Rotation System: The inventory rotation system within the warehouse is a crucial factor. For large volumes that need rapid turnover, consider FIFO (First In, First Out) racks, mezzanine floor racks, or racking systems with rails that support flexible storage systems.
Now that you understand the different types of shelves, if you’re looking for suitable industrial shelving for your shop warehouses, Tellus is the answer. We manufacture and design diverse automated warehouse systems, offering the best storage solutions at competitive prices. Choose from various storage racks, all guaranteed for quality and safety. Our expert after-sales team is always ready to assist you, ensuring your warehouse operations run smoothly. For more information, call 02-643-8044.
Source:
- Types of Warehouse Shelving (Rack) and How to Choose the Right One. Retrieved on July 19, 2024, from https://packhai.com/warehouse-rack/#6Cantilever_Rack
